Global TestNet meeting addresses ballast water testing

Experts from ballast water testing facilities from around the world gathered at IMarEST headquarters in London, on 1-2 February to discuss the science behind BWM. The meeting was part of the Global TestNet, a forum of organizations involved in standardization, transparency and openness of land-based and shipboard testing for the certification of BWMS.

Standardized testing helps to ensure the effectiveness of IMO measures to protect marine ecosystems from potentially harmful invasive aquatic species transported in ships’ ballast water, in accordance with BWM Convention.

Another key issue on the agenda was biofouling also to be addressed by Global TestNet. IMO’s Antoine Blonce gave a presentation on the subject, introducing IMO’s new GloFouling project, which is building on the Organization’s work to help protect marine ecosystems by dealing with potentially invasive species.

Further technical issues discussed at the 9th Global TestNet meeting included so-called challenge water validations, representative sampling and ring testing between test facilities.

The Global TestNet was created in 2013 under the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) of the GloBallast project, to address the need for standardization and comparability in the testing of BWMS.